Catalytic reactive component reduction system and methods for the use thereof

ABSTRACT

In accordance with the present invention, there are provided simplified systems and methods for catalytically deactivating, removing, or reducing the levels of reactive component(s) from the vapor phase of fuel storage tanks. The simple apparatus described herein can be utilized to replace complex OBIGGS systems on the market. Simply stated, in one embodiment of the invention, the vapor phase from the fuel tank is passed over a catalytic bed operated at appropriate temperatures to allow the reaction between free oxygen and the fuel vapor by oxidation of the fuel vapor, thus deactivating reactive component(s) in the gas phase.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. Nonprovisional patentapplication Ser. No. 15/596,779, filed May 16, 2017, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/337,043, filed May 16,2016, the entirety of each of which is hereby incorporated by referencefor all purposes herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of on board reactivecomponent removal systems, and reaction systems and methods for theremoval of reactive components from the vapor phase of fuel storagevessels. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to systems andmethods for the catalytic removal of reactive components from the vaporphase of fuel storage vessels, specifically oxygen and/or fuel, therebyreducing the potential for fire and explosion in such vessels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order to avoid the potential fire and explosion hazard in fuel tanks(e.g., aircraft fuel tanks, ships carrying flammable fluids as eitherfuel and/or cargo, land based storage tanks, trains, trucks, and thelike), it is necessary to reduce the concentration of reactivecomponents (e.g., oxygen and/or fuel vapors) in the gas phase that is incontact with liquid fuel. Many different approaches have been taken inefforts to address this problem. One such approach, for example,involves taking the bleed air from an aircraft engine, passing itthrough a membrane based gas separator to remove a sufficient amount ofthe oxygen so as to reduce the oxygen concentration below 10%. Thisreduced oxygen content gas is then used as an inert gas blanket in thefuel tank.

Another method employed in the art involves use of a pressure swingadsorption system to separate the oxygen from air to generate oxygendepleted inert gas.

These, as well as other systems described in the prior art requireelaborate setup and add significantly to the cost of operation based onthe provision of an on board inert gas generator system (OBIGGS).Accordingly, there is a need for improved systems and methods forremoving reactive components (e.g., oxygen and/or fuel vapors), orreducing the levels thereof, from the vapor phase of fuel storagevessels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there are provided simplifiedsystems and methods for catalytically reducing the concentration of oneor more reactive component(s) in the vapor phase of fuel storage tanks.The simple apparatus described herein can be utilized to replace complexOBIGGS systems on the market. Simply stated, in one embodiment of theinvention, the vapor phase from the fuel tank is passed over a catalyticbed operated at appropriate temperatures to allow the reaction betweenfree oxygen and the fuel vapor by oxidation of the fuel vapor, thusdeactivating reactive components in the gas phase. In addition,circulation and treatment of vapors as contemplated herein minimizes theventing of fuel-containing vapors to the atmosphere.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there are providedsystems for deactivating, reducing the concentration of, or removing oneor more reactive components (e.g., oxygen and/or fuel vapors) from thevapor phase of a fuel storage tank. Invention systems include a reactionzone having an inlet and outlet, wherein the reaction zone providesconditions suitable to deactivate the reactive components. Optionally,inventive systems include the ability to remove heat and/or water fromthe vapor phase.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, there are providedfuel storage systems for use in a vessel (e.g., an aircraft, a shipcarrying flammable fluids as cargo, and the like), such fuel storagesystems being capable of maintaining the concentration levels of one ormore reactive components in the vapor phase of the fuel storage tank atsufficiently low levels so as to dramatically reduce the risk of fireand explosion therefrom. Moreover, circulation and treatment of vaporsas contemplated herein minimizes the venting of fuel-containing vaporsto the atmosphere.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, there are providedmethods for deactivating, reducing the concentration of, or removing oneor more reactive components from the vapor phase of a fuel storage tank.Invention methods comprise passing at least a portion of the vapor phasefrom the fuel storage tank through a reaction zone which serves todeactivate the reactive components before the vapor phase is returned tothe fuel storage tank. Optionally, inventive methods include the abilityto remove heat and/or water from the vapor phase.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a reactivecomponent reduction system according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a reactivecomponent reduction system according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the present invention, there are provided systems forreducing the concentration of one or more reactive component(s) in avapor phase fluid prior to contacting thereof with fuel, wherein saidsystem reduces the concentration of reactive component(s) in said vaporphase fluid below the concentration at which auto-ignition may occurwhen said vapor phase fluid is contacted with fuel. See, for example,FIGS. 1 and 2. Invention systems comprise:

-   -   a fuel container,    -   a fluid treating zone comprising:        -   at least one inlet,        -   at least one outlet, and        -   a reaction zone, wherein said reaction zone provides            conditions suitable to deactivate said one or more reactive            component(s) when contacted therewith,    -   a first cooling/condensing module in fluid communication with        the outlet of said fluid treating zone, and optionally    -   one or more additional cooling/condensing modules in fluid        communication with the outlet of said first or subsequent        cooling/condensing modules,        wherein:    -   the inlet of said fluid treating zone is optionally in fluid        communication with the fuel,    -   the outlet of said fluid treating zone is in fluid communication        with the fuel, and    -   the condensate from any one of the cooling/condensing modules is        returned to the same or a different cooling/condensing module or        to the fluid treating zone as coolant therefor.

As readily recognized by those of skill in the art, there are a varietyof reactive components which one may desirably wish to remove (or reducethe concentration of) when in contact with fuel (such as jet fuel). Onereactive component contemplated for treatment in accordance with thepresent invention is oxygen. Another reactive component contemplated fortreatment in accordance with the present invention may also include fuelvapor, as well as a variety of additives and/or impurities commonlyassociated therewith. A particular advantage of the present inventionrelates to the fact that circulation and treatment of vapors ascontemplated herein minimizes the venting of fuel-containing vapors tothe atmosphere, thereby reducing the environmental impact caused by thehandling of such materials.

Invention systems optionally comprise an inlet/outlet which enablesequilibration of pressure within the vessel depending on whether thevessel is exposed to sub- or super-atmospheric conditions. For example,it may be desirable to provide a source of make-up gas to equilibratepressure within the system upon exposure to sub-atmospheric conditions.Alternatively, upon exposure to super-atmospheric conditions, it may bedesirable to allow venting of the vessel to reduce the pressure therein.For example, upon ascent or descent of an aircraft, pressures within theaircraft, including fuel storage vessels therein, may varysignificantly. In the case of descent, for example, it may be desirableto supplement the gas content of the vessel. Conversely, upon ascent ofan aircraft, it may be desirable to relieve excess pressure on the fuelstorage vessel. Optionally, make-up gas (or vented vapors) will besubjected to the invention method for deactivating one or more reactivecomponent(s) therein (e.g., by reducing the concentration thereof) so asto reduce the safety hazards associated with the introduction of outsideair into the system, or the venting of vapors to the atmosphere.

Invention systems may optionally be configured as closed loop systems.As employed herein, the term “closed loop” refers to the fact that thevapor having been treated to deactivate the reactive components thereinis returned to the fuel storage vessel, rather than being vented. It isto be understood, however, that invention closed loop systems stillcontemplate the presence of one or more inlets/outlets for such purposesas equilibration of pressure therein, removal of water vapor or othercomponents therefrom, and the like. The reaction zone contemplated foruse in the practice of the present invention can be configured in avariety of ways, e.g., the reaction zone may comprise a vesselcontaining catalyst, wherein said catalyst is reactive with said one ormore reactive component(s) when contacted therewith under suitableconditions. In some embodiments, the vessel has an inlet end and anoutlet end, and catalyst content can vary throughout the vessel. Incertain other embodiments the catalyst content can increase from theinlet end to the outlet end of the vessel.

As employed herein, “deactivate” refers to the conversion of reactivecomponents such as oxygen, fuel vapor, and the like, into substantiallynon-reactive species, i.e., species that are substantially inert underthe conditions to which they are exposed. Preferably, deactivatedspecies are non-flammable.

Catalysts contemplated for use in the practice of the present inventioninclude optionally supported metal catalysts, such as, for example,noble metals (e.g., platinum, palladium, gold, silver, and the like),precious metals, transition metals, metal oxides, rare earth oxides,nitrides, carbides, enzymes, and the like, as well as mixtures of anytwo or more thereof “Catalytic” refers to facilitating a reaction orinteraction involving one or more reactants. Catalytic materials mayinclude noble metals, transition metals, metal oxides (e.g., transitionmetal oxides such as RuOx, LaMnOx and perayskites), and the like, aswell as various combinations thereof.

Catalytic materials contemplated for use herein may optionally besupported on a variety of materials, such as for example, metallicsupports, activated carbon, carbon black, and the like, as well asmixtures thereof. Inorganic oxides may also be employed as supportmaterials, either alone or in combination, e.g., silica, alumina,silica-alumina, magnesia, titania, zirconia, montmorillonite, and thelike, or combinations thereof, for example, silica-chromium,silica-titania, and the like.

When catalytic treatment of reactive components is employed, a widevariety of suitable conditions for contacting said catalyst with saidone or more reactive component(s) are contemplated. Exemplary conditionscomprise contacting the vapor phase materials with catalyst at atemperature in the range of about 25° C. up to about 1200° C. Presentlypreferred temperatures contemplated for use herein range from about 50°C. up to about 400° C. Even more preferred are temperatures ranging fromabout 100° C. up to about 350° C.

To facilitate control of the above-described catalytic process,invention systems can optionally further comprise one or more sensorsbefore, within, and/or after the fluid treating zone. In certainembodiments, said one or more sensors monitor one or more processparameter (e.g., the flow rate of the vapor phase, the level of reactivecomponent(s) in said vapor phase, the temperature of the reaction zone,the temperature of one or more of said cooling/condensing modules, thepressure of said fluid, the water vapor content of the vapor phase, andthe like.

In certain embodiments, the operation of the invention system isadjusted based on the input obtained from said one or more sensors. Asreadily recognized by those of skill in the art, the following exemplaryparameters may be measured, and process steps that may be adjusted inresponse thereto include:

Measured Controlled Flow rate of vapor phase Pump controlling vaporphase flow Temperature of reactor Pump controlling vapor phase flowPressure of reactor Pump controlling vapor phase flow Level of reactantsin vapor phase Pump controlling vapor phase flow Temperature of one ormore cooling units Pump controlling vapor phase flow Pressure of one ormore cooling units Pump controlling vapor phase flow Temperature offirst cooling unit Pump cooling first cooling/condensing unit Pressureof first cooling unit Pump cooling first cooling/condensing unitTemperature of downstream units (i.e., Pump cooling firstcooling/condensing unit components other than the first cooling unit)Temperature of second and subsequent Pump cooling second and subsequentcooling/ cooling unit(s) condensing unit(s) Pressure of second andsubsequent cooling Pump cooling second and subsequent cooling/ unit(s)condensing unit(s) Temperature of downstream units (i.e., Pump coolingsecond and subsequent cooling/ components other than the second andcondensing unit(s) subsequent cooling units)

A key to control is the recognition that the “flow rate of the vaporphase” is governed (in varying degree) by virtually every measuredparameter of every component. Controlling the flow of vapor (forexample, by adjusting the vapor phase pump) is an exemplary way in whichthe overall rate of reaction is controlled herein, and allows one toshut or slow down the system if any component goes outside of thedesired performance parameters.

In addition, the flow of cooling to each cooling unit downstream of thereactor is controlled by all properties within that unit, as well aspotentially parameters from other units downstream.

Optionally, invention systems may further comprise a flame arrestorbetween the fuel storage tank and the reaction zone so as to prevent anypossibility of combustion to communicate back to the fuel storage tank.Alternatively, the reaction zone can be designed so as to prevent anyflame formation.

Additional optional features which may be included in invention systemsinclude one or more oxygen sensors, which may be positioned upstreamand/or downstream from the reaction zone so as to monitor the oxygenlevels in the inlet and/or outlet gas of the fuel storage tank.Additionally, a feedback loop could be provided so as to adjust thecontacting conditions within the reaction zone as a function of theoxygen levels detected before and/or after the reaction zone.

As used herein, the term “upstream” refers to an element in a flowscheme which is located prior to or before a reference point orreference element. As used herein, the term “downstream” refers to anelement in a flow scheme which is located after a reference point orreference element.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the system may also include afluid purification module adapted to remove water from the treated air.For example, the fluid purification module may include a condenser toreduce the temperature of the treated vapor below the dew point, therebyfacilitating removal of any excess water. In a particular embodiment,the fluid purification module may include a pressure swing adsorptionmodule. In other embodiments, the purification module may includemembranes. A recirculation line may be provided to transfer the fluidfrom the fluid purification module to the inlet to the reaction zone.The fluid purification module may be located upstream or downstream fromthe reaction zone. In other embodiments, water may be removed by amoisture trap.

As used herein, “purification” and “purifying” refer to the removal froma fluid of one or more components. The removal may be partial, completeor to a desired level and may include removal of only some or allcomponents.

In one embodiment, the system may also include a recirculation lineadapted to transfer the fluid from the separator to the inlet of thereaction zone.

In one embodiment, the system may also include a liquid trap adapted toseparate condensed liquid mixed with vapors.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there areprovided systems for reducing the concentration of one or more reactivecomponent(s) in a vapor phase fluid prior to contacting thereof withfuel, wherein said system reduces the concentration of reactivecomponent(s) in said vapor phase fluid below the concentration at whichauto-ignition may occur when said vapor phase fluid is contacted withfuel. See, for example, FIGS. 1 and 2. Invention systems comprise:

-   -   a fuel container,    -   a fluid treating zone comprising:        -   at least one inlet,        -   at least one outlet, and        -   a reaction zone, wherein said reaction zone provides            conditions suitable to deactivate said one or more reactive            component(s) when contacted therewith, and    -   one or more sensors before, within, and/or after the fluid        treating zone,        wherein:    -   the inlet of said fluid treating zone is optionally in fluid        communication with the fuel,    -   the outlet of said fluid treating zone is in fluid communication        with the fuel, and    -   the operation of said system is adjusted based on the input        obtained from said one or more sensors.

In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention,there are provided fuel storage systems. See, for example, FIGS. 1 and2. Invention systems comprise:

-   -   a container having an outlet for removal of vapor therefrom, and        an inlet for return of vapor thereto,    -   a reaction zone which provides conditions suitable to deactivate        one or more reactive component(s) in the vapor phase of said        container when contacted therewith,    -   an external source of fuel vapor,    -   a first cooling/condensing module in fluid communication with        the outlet of said fluid treating zone, and optionally,    -   one or more additional cooling/condensing modules in fluid        communication with the outlet of said first or subsequent        cooling/condensing modules,        wherein:    -   said container and the reaction zone are in fluid communication        with one another, and    -   the condensate from any one of the cooling/condensing modules is        returned to the same or a different cooling/condensing module as        coolant therefor.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, thereare provided fuel storage systems for use in aircraft. See, for example,FIGS. 1 and 2. Invention fuel storage systems comprise:

-   -   a container having an outlet for removal of vapor therefrom, and        an inlet for return of vapor thereto,    -   a reaction zone which provides conditions suitable to deactivate        one or more reactive component(s) in the vapor phase of said        container when contacted therewith,    -   an external source of fuel vapor, and    -   one or more sensors before, within, and/or after the fluid        treating zone,        wherein:    -   said container and the reaction zone are in fluid communication        with one another, and    -   the operation of said system is adjusted based on the input        obtained from said one or more sensors.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, thereare provided systems for (a) introducing reactive component-depleted airinto a container having fuel therein as fuel is withdrawn therefrom, or(b) displacing fuel in, or vapor in the vapor space of, a containerhaving fuel therein with reactive component-depleted air. See, forexample, FIGS. 1 and 2. Invention systems comprise:

-   -   a fuel container,    -   a fluid treating zone comprising:        -   at least one inlet,        -   at least one outlet, and        -   a reaction zone, wherein said reaction zone provides            conditions suitable to deactivate said one or more reactive            component(s) when contacted therewith,    -   a first cooling/condensing module in fluid communication with        the outlet of said fluid treating zone, and optionally    -   one or more additional cooling/condensing modules in fluid        communication with the outlet of said first or subsequent        cooling/condensing modules,        wherein:    -   the inlet of said fluid treating zone is optionally in fluid        communication with the fuel,    -   the outlet of said fluid treating zone is in fluid communication        with the fuel, and    -   the condensate from any one of the cooling/condensing modules is        returned to the same or a different cooling/condensing module as        coolant therefor.

Embodiments of the invention can include a temperature modulatorassociated with the catalyst zone. In other embodiments, inventionsystems can include a trap for removing water from the vapor.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, thereare provided systems for (a) introducing reactive component-depleted airinto a container having fuel therein as fuel is withdrawn therefrom, or(b) displacing fuel in, or vapor in the vapor space of, a containerhaving fuel therein with reactive component-depleted air. See, forexample, FIGS. 1 and 2. Invention systems comprise:

-   -   a fuel container,    -   a fluid treating zone comprising:        -   at least one inlet,        -   at least one outlet, and        -   a reaction zone, wherein said reaction zone provides            conditions suitable to deactivate said one or more reactive            component(s) when contacted therewith, and    -   one or more sensors before, within, and/or after the fluid        treating zone,        wherein:    -   the inlet of said fluid treating zone is optionally in fluid        communication with the fuel,    -   the outlet of said fluid treating zone is in fluid communication        with the fuel, and    -   the operation of said system is adjusted based on the input        obtained from said one or more sensors.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, thereare provided systems for reducing the concentration of one or morereactive component(s) in a vapor phase fluid prior to contacting thereofwith fuel, wherein said system reduces the concentration of reactivecomponent(s) in said vapor phase fluid below the concentration at whichauto-ignition may occur when said vapor phase fluid is contacted withfuel. See, for example, FIGS. 1 and 2. Invention systems comprise:

-   -   a fuel container,    -   a fluid treating zone comprising:        -   at least one inlet,        -   at least one outlet, and        -   a reaction zone, wherein said reaction zone provides            conditions suitable to deactivate said one or more reactive            component(s) when contacted therewith,    -   a first cooling/condensing module in fluid communication with        the outlet of said fluid treating zone, and optionally    -   one or more additional cooling/condensing modules in fluid        communication with the outlet of said first or subsequent        cooling/condensing modules,        wherein:    -   the inlet of said fluid treating zone is optionally in fluid        communication with the fuel,    -   the outlet of said fluid treating zone is in fluid communication        with the fuel, and    -   the condensate from any one of the cooling/condensing modules is        returned to the same or a different cooling/condensing module as        coolant therefor.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, thereare provided systems for reducing the concentration of one or morereactive component(s) in a vapor phase fluid prior to contacting thereofwith fuel, wherein said system reduces the concentration of reactivecomponent(s) in said vapor phase fluid below the concentration at whichauto-ignition may occur when said vapor phase fluid is contacted withfuel. See, for example, FIGS. 1 and 2. Invention systems comprise:

-   -   a fuel container,    -   a fluid treating zone comprising:        -   at least one inlet,        -   at least one outlet, and        -   a reaction zone, wherein said reaction zone provides            conditions suitable to deactivate said one or more reactive            component(s) when contacted therewith, and    -   one or more sensors before, within, and/or after the fluid        treating zone,        wherein:    -   the inlet of said fluid treating zone is optionally in fluid        communication with the fuel,    -   the outlet of said fluid treating zone is in fluid communication        with the fuel, and    -   the operation of said system is adjusted based on the input        obtained from said one or more sensors.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, thereare provided methods for displacing fuel in, or vapor in the vapor spaceof, a container having fuel therein with reactive component-depleted airas fuel is withdrawn from the container, said method comprising:

-   -   combining air with vaporized fuel in any system according to the        present invention,    -   passing the resulting combination through a fluid treating zone        under conditions suitable to produce reactive component-depleted        air,    -   removing any water from the reactive component-depleted air to        produce substantially water-free, reactive component-depleted        air,    -   introducing the resulting substantially water-free, reactive        component-depleted air into said container as fuel is withdrawn        therefrom, and    -   introducing the removed water into the cooling side of any one        of the cooling/condensing modules or the fluid treating zone.

Additional methods contemplated herein for displacing fuel in, or vaporsin the vapor space of, a fuel storage vessel with reactivecomponent-depleted vapor (e.g., as fuel or fuel vapor from the vaporspace thereof is withdrawn therefrom) comprise:

-   -   introducing ambient air, optionally in combination with a fuel        material, into a fluid treating zone in a system according to        any system according to the present invention under conditions        suitable to produce reactive component-depleted air,    -   removing any water from the reactive component-depleted air to        produce substantially water-free, reactive component-depleted        air,    -   introducing the resulting substantially water-free, reactive        component-depleted air into said container as fuel-containing        vapor is withdrawn therefrom, and    -   introducing the removed water into the cooling side of any one        of the cooling/condensing modules.

Additional methods contemplated herein include methods for inerting thevapor space of a container employed for the storage of fuel therein.Invention methods comprise replacing the vapor in said container, priorto the introduction of fuel into said container, with reactivecomponent-depleted air prepared by:

-   -   passing ambient air, optionally in combination with a fuel        material, through a fluid treating zone in a system according to        any system according to the present invention under conditions        suitable to produce reactive component-depleted air,    -   removing any water from the reactive component-depleted air to        produce substantially water-free, reactive component-depleted        air, and    -   introducing the removed water into the cooling side of any one        of the cooling/condensing modules.

While the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the Figures and describedabove are presently preferred, it should be understood that theseembodiments are offered by way of example only. Other embodiments mayinclude, for example, different techniques for performing the sameoperations. The invention is not limited to a particular embodiment, butextends to various modifications, combinations, and permutations thatnevertheless fall within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A method for displacing fuel in, or vaporin a vapor space of, a container having fuel therein with reactivecomponent-depleted air as fuel is withdrawn from the container, saidmethod comprising: combining air with vaporized fuel in a systemcomprising: a fuel container, a fluid treating zone comprising: at leastone inlet, at least one outlet, and a reaction zone, wherein saidreaction zone provides conditions suitable to deactivate said one ormore reactive component(s) when contacted therewith, at least onecooling/condensing module in fluid communication with the outlet of saidfluid treating zone, wherein: the inlet of said fluid treating zone isin fluid communication with the fuel, and the outlet of said fluidtreating zone is in fluid communication with the fuel, passing theresulting combination through a fluid treating zone under conditionssuitable to produce reactive component-depleted air, removing any waterfrom the reactive component-depleted air to produce substantiallywater-free, reactive component-depleted air, introducing the resultingsubstantially water-free, reactive component-depleted air into saidcontainer as fuel is withdrawn therefrom, and introducing the removedwater into a cooling side of any of the at least one cooling/condensingmodule.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least onecooling/condensing module comprises a first cooling/condensing module influid communication with the outlet of said fluid treating zone.
 3. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the at least one cooling/condensing modulecomprises one or more additional cooling/condensing modules in fluidcommunication with the outlet of said first or of subsequentcooling/condensing modules.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein thecondensate from any one of the cooling/condensing modules is returned tothe same cooling/condensing module as coolant therefor.
 5. The method ofclaim 3, wherein the condensate from any one of the cooling/condensingmodules is returned to a different cooling/condensing module as coolanttherefor.
 6. The method of claim 1, the system further comprising anexternal source of fuel vapor.
 7. A method for displacing vapor in avapor space of a container employed for storage of fuel therein withreactive component-depleted air as fuel-containing vapor is withdrawnfrom the container, said method comprising: introducing ambient air intoa fluid treating zone in a system under conditions suitable to producereactive component-depleted air, the system comprising: a fuelcontainer, a fluid treating zone comprising: at least one inlet, atleast one outlet, and a reaction zone, wherein said reaction zoneprovides conditions suitable to deactivate said one or more reactivecomponent(s) when contacted therewith, at least one cooling/condensingmodule in fluid communication with the outlet of said fluid treatingzone, wherein: the inlet of said fluid treating zone is in fluidcommunication with the fuel, and the outlet of said fluid treating zoneis in fluid communication with the fuel, removing any water from thereactive component-depleted air to produce substantially water-free,reactive component-depleted air, introducing the resulting substantiallywater-free, reactive component-depleted air into said container asfuel-containing vapor is withdrawn therefrom, and introducing theremoved water into a cooling side of any of the at least onecooling/condensing module.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein introducingambient air into the fluid treating zone in the system under conditionssuitable to produce reactive component-depleted air comprisesintroducing ambient air in combination with a fuel material into thefluid treating zone in the system under conditions suitable to producereactive component-depleted air.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein theat least one cooling/condensing module comprises a firstcooling/condensing module in fluid communication with the outlet of saidfluid treating zone.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least onecooling/condensing module comprises one or more additionalcooling/condensing modules in fluid communication with the outlet ofsaid first or of subsequent cooling/condensing modules.
 11. The methodof claim 10, wherein the condensate from any one of thecooling/condensing modules is returned to the same cooling/condensingmodule as coolant therefor.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein thecondensate from any one of the cooling/condensing modules is returned toa different cooling/condensing module as coolant therefor.
 13. Themethod of claim 7, the system further comprising an external source offuel vapor.
 14. A method for inerting a vapor space of a containeremployed for storage of fuel therein, said method comprising replacingvapor in said container, prior to the introduction of fuel into saidcontainer, with reactive component-depleted air prepared by: passingambient air through a fluid treating zone in a system under conditionssuitable to produce reactive component-depleted air, the systemcomprising: a fuel container, a fluid treating zone comprising: at leastone inlet, at least one outlet, and a reaction zone, wherein saidreaction zone provides conditions suitable to deactivate said one ormore reactive component(s) when contacted therewith, at least onecooling/condensing module in fluid communication with the outlet of saidfluid treating zone, wherein: the inlet of said fluid treating zone isin fluid communication with the fuel, and the outlet of said fluidtreating zone is in fluid communication with the fuel, removing anywater from the reactive component-depleted air to produce substantiallywater-free, reactive component-depleted air, and introducing the removedwater into a cooling side of any one of the cooling/condensing modules.15. The method of claim 14, wherein introducing ambient air into thefluid treating zone in the system under conditions suitable to producereactive component-depleted air comprises introducing ambient air incombination with a fuel material into the fluid treating zone in thesystem under conditions suitable to produce reactive component-depletedair.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least onecooling/condensing module comprises a first cooling/condensing module influid communication with the outlet of said fluid treating zone.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the at least one cooling/condensing modulecomprises one or more additional cooling/condensing modules in fluidcommunication with the outlet of said first or of subsequentcooling/condensing modules.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein thecondensate from any one of the cooling/condensing modules is returned tothe same cooling/condensing module as coolant therefor.
 19. The methodof claim 17, wherein the condensate from any one of thecooling/condensing modules is returned to a different cooling/condensingmodule as coolant therefor.
 20. The method of claim 14, the systemfurther comprising an external source of fuel vapor.